The cosmetics industry is a massive one. With the popularity of both independent brands and corporate powerhouses, there has never been a more fruitful time to be a cosmetics brand. The value of the industry as a whole reflects its mass popularity, and how sought after products from all categories really are. On a global scale, analysts at Goldman Sachs estimate the skincare industry is worth around $24 billion, the make-up industry is worth around $18 billion, $38 billion for the hair care industry, and the fragrance industry rounding out the group with a value of around $15 billion. The rate of growth for the cosmetics industry is also astounding, with an estimate of around 7% per year.
So, what does this mean in terms of shipping? With such a booming industry, cosmetics companies are shipping both globally and domestically more frequently than ever, and they’re shipping perishable products that can be greatly affected by improper packaging and temperature.
For products like lipstick, some blushes, mascaras, cream based shadows, and other products of a certain texture, one of the largest and most costly issues cosmetics companies face during shipping is melt. Once these products reach a certain temperature, their consistency begins to change, and may render the products unusable altogether. For independent brands making a name for themselves in the industry, the loss of a shipment due to a lack of heat protection can be devastating.
It’s not just the product that is affected by a lack of temperature control when shipping; the packaging of products is also susceptible to damage. Nail polish, fragrance, liquid lipsticks, and any other product you may find packaged in a glass bottle, pot, or jar require temperature controlled shipping in order to remain intact. When these products and this packaging freezes, it can lead to the glass keeping the products intact developing cracks with any bump. The small cracks quickly lead to shatters which means a brand will face a loss of product.
Glass packaging isn’t the only type of packaging at risk for damage when the temperature is not controlled. Shampoo, liquid soap, and conditioner bottles in soft plastic may also have a tendency to “pop” if they go through dramatic temperature changes, causing the product inside to spill or leak from the top of the bottle. What temperature controlled shipping offers to the cosmetic industry is a way for all of their products to reach enthusiastic customers with their intended quality.
